WP and DTP

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IT Systems in a Social Context: 2.2 Applications

2.2.3 Word Processing and Desktop Publishing


Social and Ethical Issues involved in the use of word processing and desktop publishing (DTP) including:
  • effects of DTP on the right to publish, e.g. freedom of the press, free exchange of ideas
  • economic effects of DTP on business
  • intellectual property issues associated with reproduction and/or transformation of digitised text
  • effects of word processing and DTP on the workplace, e.g. job loss, deskilling, surveillance
  • ergonomics/health impacts of word processing and DTP in the workplace
  • social impact of speech-enabled input/output
Knowledge of Technology: developing an understanding of related technological concepts including:
  • key terms: formatting, template, spell check, grammar check, ASCII/unicode, PDF, RTF, text
  • word processing versus page layout
  • appropriate use of templates
  • effective use of word processing functions to stramline production of documents
  • use of appropriate fonts, white space and line spacing to create output that communicates effectively

Explore

  • How is word processing different to typing?
  • Automated speech recognition: what are the limitations? what must the speaker do to avoid confusion?
  • How does desktop publishing differ from word processing?

Resources

Beekman, Computer Confluence. Chapter 5 (review Key Terms and watch PPT)
Beekman, Computer Confluence. Ergonomics. Pg 120

Task Number One

Using Microsoft Publisher design a one-page publication called the Ergo News.
Include the following:
  • An advertisement describing an ergonomic product (+ graphic)
  • An article describing a recent legal case relating to poor ergonomics in the workplace (find a news item for this and include in bibliography)
  • An article explaining a health problem causing poor ergonomics
  • An ergonomic checklist to be placed beside a computer workstation
  • Print your publication and attach a short bibliography.

Task Number Two

Beyond the Printed Page!
Explore Web 2.0 applications for word processing and desktop publishing. Here are a few to get started:
Find one online 'WP' software and one online 'Publishing' software. How is Web 2.0 changing the way we view WP and DTP? Is the ability to share and collaborate on documents now an advantage?
Post you findings to your blog.

Task Number Three

The Great Debate!
To be done as a revision exercise prior to end of year exams.